What is urethritis. How to recognize urethritis symptoms. What causes urethritis and who is at risk. Which natural remedies can help relieve urethritis symptoms at home. When to seek medical treatment for urethritis.

What is Urethritis and Who Does it Affect?

Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. It affects an estimated 4 million Americans each year, with over 150 million cases reported worldwide annually. The condition is believed to be significantly underreported as well.

While urethritis can affect anyone, it is most common in:

• Women
• Men between ages 20-35
• Sexually active individuals

Urethritis itself is not considered a sexually transmitted disease. However, it can be spread through sexual contact if caused by an infectious agent like gonorrhea or chlamydia.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Urethritis

Symptoms of urethritis can vary between men and women, though some commonalities exist. The most frequent symptom for both sexes is pain or burning while urinating, accompanied by an increased urge to urinate.

Common urethritis symptoms in men include:

• Burning or pain during urination
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Blood in urine or semen
• Itchy, painful, or swollen penis
• Penile discharge
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin
• Pain during sexual intercourse or ejaculation
• Fever (rarely)

For women, typical urethritis symptoms are:

• Burning or pain during urination
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Passing only small amounts of urine
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Lower abdominal pain
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Vaginal discharge
• Fever and chills

It’s important to note that some individuals, particularly women, may experience asymptomatic urethritis, meaning they have the condition but don’t show any symptoms.

Understanding the Causes and Risk Factors of Urethritis

Urethritis can be caused by various factors, with bacterial infections being the most common. The main causes include:

1. Bacteria (e.g., E. coli, chlamydia, gonorrhea)
2. Parasites (e.g., those causing trichomoniasis)
3. Viruses (e.g., herpes simplex, HPV, cytomegalovirus)
4. Trauma to the urethra (from catheters or injuries)
5. Chemical irritants (found in spermicides, contraceptive products, soaps)

In some cases, urethritis may have multiple causes simultaneously, especially in women. There are also instances where the cause remains unknown, which may be classified as urethral syndrome rather than urethritis.

Is urethritis always caused by a sexually transmitted infection?

No, urethritis is not always caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI). While STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia are common causes, accounting for a significant portion of cases, urethritis can also result from non-sexual factors. These include urinary tract infections, physical trauma to the urethra, or chemical irritants. However, it’s crucial to note that sexually transmitted infections are the most frequent cause, particularly in cases of infectious urethritis.

Types of Urethritis: Gonococcal vs. Non-gonococcal

Urethritis cases caused by sexually transmitted infections are typically categorized into two main types:

1. Gonococcal urethritis: This type is caused by the gonorrhea bacteria and accounts for approximately 20% of infectious cases.
2. Non-gonococcal urethritis: Caused by bacteria other than gonorrhea, this type is responsible for about 80% of infectious cases.

Non-infectious urethritis, while less common, can occur due to injury or irritation to the urethra from sources such as urinary catheters, spermicides, antiseptics, or other chemical agents.

5 Natural Ways to Relieve Urethritis Symptoms at Home

While most cases of urethritis require medical treatment to heal completely and avoid long-term complications, there are several natural approaches you can try at home to help alleviate symptoms:

1. Increase Fluid Intake

Drinking plenty of water and other clear fluids can help flush out bacteria and irritants from your urinary system. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day. Herbal teas, particularly those with anti-inflammatory properties like chamomile or green tea, may also be beneficial.

2. Use a Warm Compress

Applying a warm compress to the genital area can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with urethritis. The heat can improve blood circulation and promote healing. Use the compress for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day.

3. Practice Good Hygiene

Maintaining proper hygiene can help prevent further irritation and reduce the risk of infection spread. Wash the genital area gently with mild, unscented soap and water. For women, always wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from the anal area from entering the urethra.

4. Try Cranberry Juice or Supplements

Cranberries contain compounds that may help prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls. While more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness for urethritis specifically, drinking unsweetened cranberry juice or taking cranberry supplements might provide some relief.

5. Use Probiotics

Probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your body, potentially reducing the risk of urinary tract infections. Consider adding probiotic-rich foods to your diet or taking a probiotic supplement.

When to Seek Medical Treatment for Urethritis

While natural remedies can help alleviate symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention if you suspect you have urethritis. This is especially important because:

• Urethritis can lead to more serious complications if left untreated
• Many cases are caused by sexually transmitted infections that require specific antibiotic treatment
• Proper diagnosis is necessary to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent or severe urinary symptoms
• Discharge from the penis or vagina
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Fever or chills
• Blood in your urine

Preventing Urethritis: Lifestyle and Behavioral Changes

While not all cases of urethritis are preventable, certain lifestyle and behavioral changes can help reduce your risk:

1. Practice safe sex: Use condoms consistently and correctly to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
2. Limit sexual partners: Having multiple sexual partners increases your risk of exposure to STIs that can cause urethritis.
3. Maintain good hygiene: Clean the genital area regularly and urinate after sexual intercourse to help flush out bacteria.
4. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out your urinary system regularly.
5. Avoid irritants: Use mild, unscented soaps and avoid products that may irritate the urethra, such as harsh chemicals or spermicides.

Can urethritis resolve on its own without treatment?

In some cases, mild urethritis may resolve on its own without treatment. However, this is not always the case, especially if the underlying cause is a bacterial infection. Untreated urethritis can lead to more serious complications, including chronic inflammation, urethral strictures, or spread of infection to other parts of the urinary or reproductive system. Therefore, it’s always advisable to seek medical attention if you suspect you have urethritis, even if symptoms seem mild. A healthcare provider can determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment to prevent potential complications.

Long-term Implications of Untreated Urethritis

If left untreated, urethritis can lead to several serious complications:

• Chronic urethritis: Persistent inflammation can lead to long-term discomfort and recurrent symptoms.
• Urethral stricture: Scarring of the urethra can narrow the urinary passage, making it difficult to urinate.
• Epididymitis: In men, the infection can spread to the epididymis, causing pain and swelling in the testicles.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): In women, the infection can spread to the reproductive organs, potentially leading to infertility.
• Reactive arthritis: In rare cases, urethritis can trigger inflammation in joints, eyes, and urethra.

These potential complications underscore the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment of urethritis. While natural remedies can provide symptom relief, they should not replace professional medical care, especially if symptoms persist or worsen.

Diagnostic Procedures for Urethritis

To diagnose urethritis and determine its underlying cause, healthcare providers may use several diagnostic tools:

1. Physical examination: The doctor will examine the genitals for signs of inflammation or discharge.
2. Urinalysis: A urine sample is tested for the presence of white blood cells, which indicate inflammation.
3. Urine culture: This test can identify specific bacteria causing the infection.
4. Swab tests: Samples from the urethra or cervix are collected to test for specific pathogens.
5. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs): These highly sensitive tests can detect even small amounts of bacterial or viral genetic material.
6. Blood tests: In some cases, blood tests may be used to check for systemic infections or other underlying conditions.

How long does it typically take for urethritis to clear up with proper treatment?

The duration of urethritis treatment and recovery can vary depending on the underlying cause and the specific treatment prescribed. In general, with appropriate antibiotic treatment for bacterial urethritis, symptoms often start to improve within a few days to a week. However, it’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully cleared. This typically takes 1-2 weeks. For non-infectious urethritis, recovery time can vary based on the cause and may take several days to a few weeks. It’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider to ensure the infection has resolved completely and to address any persistent symptoms.

Remember, while waiting for medical treatment or as a complement to prescribed therapies, the natural remedies discussed earlier can help manage symptoms and support your body’s healing process. However, they should not replace professional medical care, especially in cases of suspected infectious urethritis.

Urethritis + 5 Natural Ways to Relieve Urethritis Symptoms

Evidence Based

This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information.

With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.

This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies.

Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased.

The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.

By Katherine Brind’Amour, PhD, MS

July 29, 2018

Urethritis is inflammation of the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. It can be caused by infections, trauma or chemical irritants.

Most cases of urethritis require medication to heal and avoid long-term complications. However, you can also try some natural approaches to relieve symptoms at home.

What Is Urethritis?

Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra. The urethra is the tube you pee through — it carries urine out of the body. There are several possible causes of urethritis.

Sexually transmitted infections are the most common cause of urethritis. These cases are usually broken into two main types:

• Gonococcal urethritis — This is caused by the gonorrhea bacteria and makes up about 20 percent of infectious cases.
• Nongonoccocal urethritis — This is caused by bacteria other than gonorrhea but is still infectious. It causes about 80 percent of cases.

Cases caused by something other than bacteria or viruses are noninfectious urethritis. They are rare but can happen after injury or irritation to the urethra. This can be caused by urinary catheters, spermicide, antiseptic or other chemicals.

Urethritis is very common. About 4 million Americans are affected each year, and worldwide more than 150 million cases are reported per year. The problem is believed to be significantly underreported as well. (1)

Urethritis itself is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, but it can be spread by sexual contact if the infection causing it (such as gonorrhea or chlamydia) is spread.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of urethritis are different for men and women. The most common symptom for both is pain while peeing and feeling an increased urge to pee. However, some people have no symptoms at all. It is most common in women. This is called asymptomatic urethritis. Still others have symptoms that are actually caused by a different condition, such as a urinary tract infection, urethral diverticulum, urethral prolapse or urethral caruncle.

Urethritis in men may cause symptoms that include: (2)

• Burning or pain while peeing
• Frequent or urgent need to pee
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Itchy, painful or swollen penis
• Discharge from the penis
• Enlarged groin lymph nodes
• Pain during sex or ejaculation
• Fever (rarely)

Urethritis symptoms in women include: (2, 3)

• Burning or pain while peeing
• Frequent or urgent need to pee
• Peeing only small amounts at a time
• Cloudy or foul-smelling pee
• Pain in the lower belly area
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Vaginal discharge
• Fever and chills 

Causes and Risk Factors

There are several main causes of urethritis. The most common is a bacterial infection. In some cases, the cause is not known. These cases may be considered urethral syndrome instead of urethritis. The general list of possible urethritis causes includes: (2, 4)

• Bacteria such as E. coli and the strains that cause chlamydia and gonorrhea
• Parasites such as those that cause trichomoniasis
• Viruses such as herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus (HPV) and cytomegalovirus
• Trauma to the urethra, from a catheter or injury
• Irritation from chemicals found in spermicide, contraceptive jelly or foam, soaps or other topical products

It is not unusual for urethritis to be caused by more than one problem (for example, multiple bacteria strains) at once, especially in women. There are also cases of urethritis with unknown cause.

Risk factors for urethritis include: (2)

• Being female
• Being a male age 20 to 35
• Sexual activity that puts you at increased risk of a sexually transmitted infection. These include:
  • Having numerous sexual partners
  • Having sex without a condom
  • A history of sexually transmitted disease 

Conventional Treatment

Diagnosis of urethritis involves a physical exam to check for pain, swelling, discharge or tenderness. The health care provider may also order blood or urine tests to check for bacteria, viruses and other problems. You may be tested for HIV and syphilis. In women, a pregnancy test or pelvic ultrasound may also be done. Once the cause of inflammation is known, conventional treatment will be determined. Treatment varies by the cause of the condition and typically includes the following: (2, 4, 5, 6)

• For bacterial urethritis: You can expect a prescription for antibiotics and possibly a pain reliever. This helps ease pain, fight the infection and reduce your risk of passing the infection along to others.
  • These antibiotics include azithromycin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, ofloxacin and erythromycin. Most of these are seven-day courses of treatment, but azithromycin is a single dose.
  • If you have infectious urethritis, your partner should go in for testing and treatment as well.
  • While you are being treated, and for at least one week after, you should avoid sex or use condoms to avoid passing the infection to others.
  • Always take the full course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better after a few days.
  • If your infection doesn’t clear up after taking antibiotics, you may be prescribed different antibiotics. Alternatively, the health care provider may search for other causes, such as a virus, trauma or topical problem.
• For viral urethritis: If there is an antiviral medication available to fight the type of virus you have, you may receive it. For example, acyclovir treats herpes simplex. Because test results take some time to come back, you may be prescribed antibiotics to take until the true cause is known.
• For temporary or mild urethritis caused by spermicide, soap, etc.: No treatment may be needed as symptoms may go away on their own, particularly once you stop using the product. However, if the pain or symptoms continue more than a day or two, or if they are joined by symptoms such as a fever or pain in the belly or back, nausea, or vomiting, seek care immediately.
  • You may be advised to stop using spermicides or other topical contraceptives.
  • It may be suggested that you avoid or limit vigorous sexual activity.
  • You may be told to increase the amount of water you drink.
  • If you use scented body products or soaps, you may be advised to switch to gentle, unscented products.
• For urethritis caused by injury or trauma: Depending on the cause of injury, you may require antibiotics to prevent or treat infection. If you have an item lodged in your penis, you may need both medication and professional medical assistance in removing it. In some cases, a health care professional may decide you do not need treatment for infection and may be able to wait for the inflammation to go away on its own.

Your doctor may also recommend prescription medication to ease burning and pain, or an over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory. In most cases, urethritis can be cured by treating the underlying condition. However, sometimes symptoms last more than a few weeks or come and go. Urethritis that lasts six weeks or more is called chronic urethritis.

Untreated urethritis can lead to infections in other organs, with serious complications. Once it spreads, infection can be much harder to treat and symptoms may be much more painful or severe. Urethritis can also cause scarring in the urethra (called urethral stricture) or pelvis (causing pelvic inflammatory disease), which can lead to fertility problems. If the infection spreads to the blood and causes sepsis, it can be deadly. If your case is caused by a sexually transmitted infection, you are also at greater risk for urethral cancer.  

How to Manage Symptoms

In addition to following a health care professional’s advice for your urethritis treatment, you may wish to consider these natural options for symptom management: (7)

1. Drink lots of water

A publication by American Family Physician recommends that people with urethritis should drink plenty of water during and after treatment. (8) Drinking a generous amount of water each day helps flush bacteria out of the urethra, reduces the concentration of bacteria in the bladder and urine, and can reduce your chances of future infections. This is particularly important for women, who have a shorter urethra than men. (9)

The standard recommendation of about eight glasses of water per day is usually enough. Another option for calculating your minimum need is drinking a quart for every 50 pounds of body weight. You may need to drink more in hot weather or if you exercise. Spread your drinking out during the day, with the goal of urinating about once every 90 minutes. This means you’re regularly emptying your bladder and flushing out the urethra. (10)

2. Take care with hygiene

Some cases of urethritis are caused by bacteria from the anus, such as E. coli, getting into the urethra. Although most cases of urethritis don’t result from poor hygiene, taking good care of your genitals can help relieve symptoms in some cases and can help prevent future infections. These tips may help: (7, 11)

• Wash your genital area daily with water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Gently pat the area dry.
• In general, avoid scented body wash, soap, lotion and other products you apply on or near your genitals.
• Wipe from front to back to avoid moving stool into the urethra.
• Take showers instead of baths. If you do bathe, don’t add bubble bath, salts, shampoos, soaps or other things into the water.
• Don’t hold back when you feel you have to pee. Keeping urine in the bladder and urethra allows bacteria to accumulate.
• Don’t use genital deodorants, sprays or scented pads or underwear.
• Do not douche.
• Wear loose clothing and cotton underwear.

3. Adjust your sexual activity

The majority of cases of urethritis result from sexually transmitted infections and can be passed along to other people. Adjusting your sexual habits may help relieve symptoms and can also keep you from spreading the infection. Consider these recommendations: (7)

• Avoid sex while you have symptoms, during treatment and for a full seven days after you finish treatment. If you still have symptoms one week after completing treatment, call a health care professional and continue to avoid sex.
• If you do have sex, use a condom to avoid passing the infection to your partner.
• Use water-soluble lubricant without fragrances or dyes.
• Avoid spermicides, contraceptive jellies or foams, particularly if they have fragrances or chemicals that caused the irritation.
• Avoid trauma to the urethra by reducing or not taking part in vigorous sexual activity.

You can also reduce your chances of getting urethritis again by following these tips for safer sex: (4, 8)

• Get tested frequently for sexually transmitted infections if you have multiple partners.
• Limit your number of partners.
• Do not trade sex for money or drugs.
• Use a condom if you are not in a monogamous relationship with someone who is also infection-free.
• Do not have sex after drinking alcohol or using drugs.
• Go pee after having sex.

4. Tweak your diet

The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests that even though dietary changes aren’t confirmed as impacting urethritis, they may help some people. There is also evidence that diet impacts people with similar conditions affecting the urinary tract, such as interstitial cystitis. You can try adjusting what you eat and drink to see if it eases the pain in your urethra. Options include: (7, 12)

• Avoiding carbonated beverages, tea, fruit juice, alcohol and caffeine
• Limiting high-acid foods and drinks, including cranberry juice, tomato products, lemon juice and other citrus drinks
• Avoiding spicy foods, horseradish, vinegar, chili and peppers
• Eliminate artificial sweeteners and chocolate from your diet
• Limit highly spiced foods, such as Mexican, Thai and Indian cuisine
• Emphasize more water, milk, low-acid fruits (bananas, pears, honeydew, watermelon) and vegetables (cruciferous veggies, mushrooms, peas, squash and potatoes), meat, poultry and seafood, oats and rice, and snacks such as pretzels and popcorn

You can also try tracking your diet and symptoms to note if your urethritis gets worse after eating or drinking certain things. If you have had gut trouble from taking antibiotics in the past or if you are worried about overall bacterial balance, ask your health care provider about adding yogurt or a probiotic to your diet as well.

5. Consider herbal remedies

Natural remedies have long been used to treat irritation and infection in the urinary tract. Since most cases of urethritis are caused by sexually transmitted infections, you should see a health care provider for evaluation and medication if needed. If you are interested in trying herbal remedies or supplements to see if they help your symptoms, discuss them with your health care provider first. Some herbs and supplements can interact with medications or cause health problems in some people.

The following natural remedies have been used to ease urinary inflammation and infection-related symptoms:

• Cranberry. Although juice is now typically not considered helpful, standardized cranberry capsules have a high concentration of proanthocyanidins (PACs), which may help your body ease infection risk. (4)
• Agathosma betulina leaves (Buchu) or Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaves (Bearberry). Both of these are reportedly effective for fighting infection in the urinary system. “The Complete Medicinal Herbal: A Practical Guide to the Healing Properties of Herbs” recommends combining Buchu with couchgrass and yarrow for infusions or capsules. It also recommends adding corn silk to the concoction to ease burning. (13)
• Althaea officinalis leaves (marshmallow) has also been recommended for its use with urethritis. It is used in infusions and tinctures and can be combined with yarrow and buchu. (13)
• Whole-root, hot water extract preparations of Uvaria afzalii and Anthocliesta djalonensis were tested in the lab against non-gonococcal urethritis and found to be effective at killing many strains of bacteria known to cause the condition. (14)
• Hydrastis canadensis (goldenseal), Echineceae purpura (echinacea) and Equisetum arvense (horsetail) may also be useful. Some natural medicine research and traditional medical practice has found these and most of the herbs listed above to be at least somewhat effective at reducing inflammation, fighting infection, boosting the immune system or helping the body flush bacteria from the urinary system. (15)

Precautions

• The vast majority of urethritis cases require antibiotic treatment. Do not attempt to self-treat urethritis unless a trained health care professional has told you it is safe to do so.
• If you are prescribed antibiotics, take the entire course prescribed to you.
• In some cases, symptoms remain after treatment. If you do not feel better within one week of completing treatment, contact your health care provider again for follow-up.
• If you develop a fever, nausea or vomiting, pain in your pelvis or belly, or any serious change in symptoms, seek emergency care immediately. These may indicate the infection has spread to other parts of your body.
• If you suspect you have urethritis, do not delay seeking care. Untreated urethritis can cause fertility problems and/or allow the spread of infection to other people or to other parts of your body, which can be deadly.
• Do not add herbs or supplements to your regimen without first consulting a health care professional. Many herbs and supplements can interact with medications and body processes. This can change how well your prescribed medications work and result in dangerous health side effects.
• If your case of urethritis is caused by a sexually transmitted infection, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, the diagnosis will be tracked by public health departments and you will be asked to provide the names or contact information for all of your recent sexual partners. Providing this information honestly and accurately is critical to protecting the health of these people.                                                                               

Final Thoughts

• Urethritis is inflammation of the tube that carries pee out of the body (the urethra). It is a very common infection.
• Most cases of urethritis are caused by sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes and others.
• Conventional treatment for urethritis usually involves a course of antibiotics. If they are ineffective, urethritis treatment without antibiotics may include antivirals, changes to hygiene or sexual practices, or over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medicines.
• If you are interested in a urethritis home remedy, be sure to consult a health care professional first. Left untreated, urethritis can cause complications that can lead to fertility problems or serious infections, which can be deadly.
• With treatment, urethritis symptoms usually disappear in a week or two. However, during treatment and for a full week afterward, you should avoid having unprotected sex. Any recent sexual partners should also be tested if your case is caused by a sexually transmitted infection.

5 Natural Strategies That May Help Relieve Urethritis Symptoms 

1. Drinking lots of water
2. Taking good care with hygiene
3. Adjusting your sexual activity
4. Tweaking your diet
5. Considering specific herbal remedies

Read Next: Bladder Cancer (+ 6 Natural Ways to Help Cancer Treatment)

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Urethral inflammation

Urethritis is an infection and inflammation of the lining of the urethra, the narrow tube that carries urine out of the body. In men, the urethra also carries semen. Urethritis is usually caused when bacteria from the anus travel to the urethra. The infection may affect the bladder, prostate, and reproductive organs. It may also be caused by a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as herpes or chlamydia.

Urethritis can happen in men and women of all ages. Women, however, are at higher risk because the urethra is closer to the anus.

Signs and Symptoms

There may be no symptoms of urethritis, particularly in women. When there are, symptoms may include:

In men:

• Burning during urination
• Pus or whitish, mucous discharge from the penis
• Burning or itching around the opening of the penis
• Blood in the urine or semen

In women:

• Abdominal pain
• Painful urination
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Fever and chills
• Frequent, urgent urination

What Causes It?

• Bacteria and other organisms entering the urethra
• Bruising during sexual intercourse (in women)
• Infection reaching the urethra from the prostate gland or through the penis opening (in men)
• Bacterial infection after you have taken a course of antibiotics
• Reiter syndrome
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, herpes simplex virus, or HIV and AIDS

What to Expect at Your Doctor’s Office

Your doctor will examine your genitals, do laboratory tests on a urine sample, and take a specimen of mucus from inside the urethra and, in women, the vagina.

Treatment Options

• Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to get rid of the bacteria causing the infection.
• All sex partners should be treated.
• You should not have sex until you complete treatment, because you can still have an infection even after your symptoms go away.

Prevention

• Limit your number of sexual partners.
• Always use condoms.
• If you have symptoms, or think you have an infection, seek treatment immediately and notify all sexual partners.
• Practice good personal hygiene.

Drug Therapies

Depending on the cause of the infection, your doctor may prescribe one of the following treatments:

• Amoxicillin
• Ampicillin
• Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
• Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
• Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra)

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Nutrition, herbs, and homeopathic remedies can help your body fight infection, relieve pain, and strengthen the urinary system. Always tell your doctor about the herbs and supplements you are using. Complementary therapies are best used in conjunction with conventional medical care as part of a coordinated approach among your health care providers to affect the best outcomes.

Nutrition and Supplements

• Cranberries contain substances that may keep bacteria from sticking to the urethra. Preliminary evidence suggests that drinking cranberry juice daily may help prevent urinary tract infections, especially in women who get infections often.
• Avoid caffeine and other stimulants.
• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of filtered water daily.

Herbs

Herbs are a way to strengthen and tone the body’s systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your doctor before starting treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, or teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, make teas with 1 tsp. (5 g) herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaves or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 to 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.

• Cranberry
  (
  Vaccinium macrocarpon
  ). Supplements to help prevent urethritis and urinary tract infections. You may also drink 8 to 16 ounces of unsweetened cranberry juice daily. Cranberry supplements or juice may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you take blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) or clopidogrel (Plavix). People with kidney stones and pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take cranberry supplements. People who are allergic to aspirin should not take large amounts of cranberry supplements. Cranberry can interact with a number of medications. Ask your doctor before taking cranberry supplements.
• Bromelain
  (
  Ananus comosus
  ). For pain and inflammation. Bromelain can increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you already take blood thinners. People who are allergic to pineapple should not take bromelain. Ask your doctor before taking bromelain.

Homeopathy

Some of the most common remedies used for urethritis are listed below. Usually, the dose is 3 to 5 pellets of a 12X to 30C remedy every 1 to 4 hours until symptoms improve.

• Staphysagria
  . For urinary infections associated with sexual intercourse.
• Apis mellifica
  . For stinging pains that are made worse by warmth.
• Cantharis
  . For intolerable urging with “scalding” urine.
• Sarsaparilla
  . For burning after urination.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may help strengthen your overall immune system and help relieve pain from urethritis.

Following Up

If your urethritis was caused by a sexually transmitted disease (STD), your sexual partners may need to be treated as well. Possible complications for men include:

• Cystitis
• Epididymitis
• Prostatitis

Possible complications for women include:

• Cystitis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Fertility problems
• Other gynecological problems

Special Considerations

STDs can cause permanent damage to reproductive organs and infertility in both sexes. They can also cause problems during pregnancy, premature delivery, low birth weight, and infections in newborns.

Supporting Research

Bally F, Troillet N. Diagnosis and treatment of urethritis.
Rev Med Suisse
. 2006;2(82):2282-2284, 2286.

Beerepoot MA, ter Riet G, Nys S, et al. Cranberries vs antibiotics to prevent urinary tract infections: a randomized double-blind noninferiority trial in premenopausal women.
Arch Intern Med
. 2011;171(14):1270-1278.

Berntsson M, Tunback P. Clinical and microscopic signs of cervicitis and urethritis: correlation with Chlamydia trachomatis infection in female STI patients.
Acta Derm Venerol
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How to treat urethritis – ways that work

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How to treat urethritis – ways that work

Urethritis is a common condition that affects millions of people every year, so it’s important to understand its causes and symptoms. In today’s article, you will learn not only about this, but about how to treat urethritis at home.

What is urethritis?

The disease refers to inflammation of the urinary canal (urethra) and is often caused by a bacterial or viral infection. The problem is either acute or chronic.

Causes

Most cases of urethritis are caused by bacterial infections such as:

• E. coli
• Gonococcus
• Chlamydia trachomatis
• Herpes simplex

Depending on the cause of the disease, the infection can spread to other genital organs, which will cause even greater complications.

Risk factors

The main risk factors are:

• Having multiple sexual partners
• Unprotected sex
• Non-observance of personal hygiene

Symptoms

The most noticeable symptom of urethritis is painful urination, which is usually accompanied by a burning sensation. Other symptoms include:

• Difficulty initiating urination
• Pain during sex
• Blood in urine (men)
• Vaginal discharge

Diagnostics

If you are experiencing symptoms of urethritis, you should talk to your doctor and get tested to determine the cause and severity of the condition. A typical urethritis examination consists of the following steps:

• The doctor examines your abdomen and genitals.
• The physical examination is followed by a urinalysis and sampling of any secretions.
• In rare cases, a blood test may be required.

Treatment

The method of treatment will depend on the cause of the disease:

• You need to see a doctor if the cause is chlamydia or a more serious infection.
• The most common solution to the problem is a range of antibiotics to neutralize the infection, including erythromycin and azithromycin.
• Although medications are certainly effective in fighting off the infection, many people prefer to deal with the problem in more natural ways.

Home remedies

Here are some of the best home remedies for urethritis:

Cat’s claw

This herb has antibacterial and antiviral effects, making it a powerful immune system booster that can help you recover quickly from an attack of urethritis.

An excellent option, based on the cat’s claw, is the natural supplement Una de Gato GP, which has passed clinical trials and is included in the wellness programs certified by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.

Coupon number – 2019, 5% discount applies!

Green tea

The well-known antioxidant and immune-boosting properties of green tea make it ideal for people who experience painful urination. If you drink 1-2 cups of green tea every day, the catechins and other ingredients will help reduce inflammation and pain while fighting infection.

Cranberry juice

It is very helpful to drink several glasses of cranberry juice every day, since cranberries can prevent bacteria from getting on the walls of the urethra.

Water

Maintaining water balance in the body is extremely important. Water helps to get rid of the infection faster and helps the medicines work more effectively.

Hot tub

A hot bath can relieve inflammation and relieve pain that results from urethritis. This stimulation of the body (no more than 15 minutes) improves blood circulation, promotes healing and relieves pain.

Reduce caffeine and alcohol

These drinks are directly related to exacerbation of the symptoms of urethritis. By cutting down on coffee and alcohol, you’ll improve circulation, give your immune system a break, and reduce inflammation throughout your body, including your urethra.

Juniper berries

Juniper berries are strongly associated with urethral inflammation and may help urethritis sufferers by boosting the immune system and soothing painful irritation. They also help prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the reproductive system.

To speed up the healing process and reduce unpleasant symptoms, many people additionally take natural supplements that have been proven to be safe and effective. These include:

Refungin

Chlorophyll Forte GP

Wild Yam GP

Una de Gato GP

Order any of the supplements from the Santegra Shop at manufacturer’s prices.

By coupon number – 2019, a 5% discount is valid for you!

Site Santegra Shop guarantees the originality and quality of products.

Attention! Similar underpriced supplements may be fake!

Be healthy!

The article was prepared by Elizabeth L.